Turning Colder Tonight
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CLEAR, BUT COLD: Colder air slips into Alabama tonight; most communities around here will wind up in the 25-29 degree range early tomorrow with a clear sky. Clouds will return to the state during the day tomorrow, but we stay cool and dry with a high in the 47-50 degree range.
TO THE WEST: A major storm system lifting out of the Southwest U.S. will bring heavy snow to much of Kansas and Nebraska; some spots out there will see almost two feet of snow over the next 36 hours. Some ice is likely down into North Arkansas, where a winter storm watch is in effect.
THURSDAY/FRIDAY: Thursday will be mostly cloudy and warmer with increasing south winds late in the day. We should reach the low 60s Thursday afternoon. To the west, SPC has their standard “slight risk” of severe weather up for all of Louisiana and much of Mississippi, but the storms should weaken as they move into Alabama Thursday night, and once again we don’t expect any severe weather due to the lack of surface based instability. We project rain amounts of around one-half inch Thursday night, and the rain should taper off Friday morning as a surface boundary moves a little south of here. Rain will continue through Friday afternoon over the southern half of Alabama.
A wave of low pressure is expected to form along the stalled boundary Friday night, and the front should lift northward a bit, and the rain shield could reach I-20 again. The best chance of rain Friday night into Saturday morning will be along and south of I-20; areas north of Birmingham could very well stay rain-free Friday night.
THE ALABAMA WEEKEND: A tough call on the northern periphery of the rain mass. The latest GFS, and the ECMWF, tend to keep the rain over South Alabama Saturday, with the northern half of the state rain-free. For now we will mention a chance of rain Saturday for I-20 south, mainly for the morning. Then, Saturday afternoon and Saturday night the rain should be confined to South Alabama. Saturday should be relatively mild with a high in the mid 60s.
Sunday looks dry for most of the state, with perhaps the exception of the southeast corner around Dothan. We expect a mix of sun and clouds Sunday with a high in the upper 60s.
NEXT WEEK: A cold front will pass through Monday; the GFS remains mysteriously dry, but the ECMWF shows a batch of rain and storms ahead of the front, and we will roll with that wetter solution. Cooler and drier air will return Tuesday.
LONG RANGE/VOODOO LAND: The GFS is clearing suggesting we could turn sharply colder around the first of March. The idea is supported by a negative NAO (North Atlantic Oscillation), and consistent model output. And, just for fun, the 12Z deterministic run of the GFS shows a snow threat for North Alabama on February 28 and March 4. Nothing but voodoo for now, but possible in the pattern. Will be very interesting to watch this play out in coming weeks.
STORM ALERT 2013 IN CLANTON THURSDAY EVENING: Our annual severe weather awareness tour across Alabama continues through February. We will share lessons learned after the April 27, 2011 generational tornado event, along with other amazing weather stories. Learn how to keep your family safe during severe weather, and have a chance to win some cool prizes as well. Here are the remaining Storm Alert tour dates…
February 21 Clanton – Jeff State Performing Arts Center
February 26 Ohatchee – Ohatchee High School
February 28 Clay – Clay/Chalkville High School
All shows begin at 6:30… be sure and get there early to get a good seat.
WEATHER BRAINS: Don’t forget you can listen to our weekly 90 minute netcast anytime on the web, or on iTunes. This is the show all about weather featuring many familiar voices, including our meteorologists here at ABC 33/40.
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I had a great time today seeing the second graders at Piedmont Elementary, and the sixth graders at Piedmont Middle School today… be looking for them on the Pepsi KIDCAM at 5:00 and 6:00 on ABC 33/40 News. The next Weather Xtreme video will be posted here by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow….
Category: Alabama's Weather
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James Spann is one of the most recognized and trusted television meteorologists in the industry. He holds the AMS CCM designation and television seals from the AMS and NWA. He is a past winner of the Broadcast Meteorologist of the Year from both professional organizations.Subscribe
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